propaedeutic adj.< Gr propaideuein, to teach beforehand < pro3, before + paideuein, to instruct < pais (gen. paidos), child: see PEDO316 of, or having the nature of, elementary or introductory instruction Also pro#pae[deu4ti[cal n.1 an elementary or introductory subject or study 2 [pl., with sing. v.] the basic principles and rules preliminary to the study of some art or science

"Van Santen has asked departments to look at the possibility of a joint basic curriculum and propadeutical programmes. He also wants to know if, and if so which Bachelor courses could be combined. Applied Physics, Applied Mathematics and Chemical Engineering are already talking about developing a new, joint Bachelor course that will be called 'Science and Technology'. If this will replace existing Physics, Maths and Chemistry courses remains to be seen."

I like this word, wwh. Even though elementary education is that education which begins the "elements" of education, I like the sense of propadeutical education for beginning studies in more complex areas. Recently I attended a wetlands workshop for educators interested in establishing wetlands on their school sites. I believe our workshop instruction would be best described as propadeutical, not just elementary, education. Great word! Thanks for posting it.

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